# Low-Oil Air-Fried Hot Chips Zambrero Has Rolled Its Air-Fried Hot Chips Nationwide By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-09-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/low-oil-air-fried-hot-chips References: [qsrweb](https://www.qsrweb.com/news/australian-qsr-zambrero-launches-countrys-1st-air-fried-hot-chips)  Zambrero has introduced 'Air-Fried Hot Chips,' the brands take on fast-food fries that were cooked in an [air fryer rather than deep-fried](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forresters-crisp-up) and seasoned with the chain's zesty chicken salt. The product rolled out nationally in early August after a small-scale trial last year, and it was offered as a [standalone side](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fry-bags) or folded into the new 'Cali Burrito.' The chips came in regular and big sizes and started at $4 at select restaurants, keeping the familiar golden crunch while cutting back on oil from traditional frying. The Cali Burrito variant swapped rice for chips and paired the fries with guacamole, mixing textures and making chips part of the main. For consumers this delivered a crisp, familiar fries experience with a reduced-oil profile and a distinctive seasoning. The move expanded Zambrero's menu variety and tied into its existing Plate 4 Plate charitable program as part of the brand's broader menu strategy. Image Credit: Zambrero ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 9.2/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 92% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Reduced-oil Fast Food:** Air-fried menu staples create room for quick-service brands to deliver familiar indulgence with lighter preparation methods that appeal to health-conscious diners. - **Texture-driven Burritos:** Crispy fries integrated into handheld meals signal potential for hybrid formats that blend snackable sides with core entrées. - **Signature Seasoned Sides:** Distinctive flavor blends such as zesty chicken salt help transform commodity sides into brand-owned menu items with stronger repeat-purchase appeal. ### Where This Applies - **Quick-service Restaurants:** National rollouts of air-fried products indicate how major chains can modernize comfort foods while preserving speed, price accessibility, and craveability. - **Foodservice Equipment:** Commercial air-frying adoption points to growing demand for kitchen systems that reduce oil usage without compromising throughput or texture. - **Health-focused Dining:** Lower-oil versions of popular fast-food items reflect a widening market for better-for-you indulgence that does not rely on restrictive positioning. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Olive Oil Potato Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olive-oil-potato-chips.md) - [Free-From Comfort Food Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lays-baked.md) - [Extra-Crispy Air-Popped Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vitalia-elements-airpopped-crisps.md) - [Fan-Inspired QSR Sides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/faninspired-qsr-sides.md) - [Health-Forward Carrot Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carrot-fries1.md) - [Budget-Friendly Conscious Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sprouts-avocado-oil-potato-chips.md) - [Seasoned Straight-Cut Fry Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/straightcut-fry.md) - [Avocado Oil-Forward Tortilla Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avocado-oils.md) - [Family-Friendly Air Fryer Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mccain-air-fryer-range.md)